Boyne Castle facts for kids
Boyne Castle is an old castle from the 1500s. It's located in Scotland, near a place called Portsoy. This castle is special because it has four sides, making it a "quadrangular castle." It sits close to the sea, about half a mile from Boyne Bay.
Contents
A Glimpse into Boyne Castle's Past
Who Owned Boyne Castle?
Long ago, around the year 1320, the land where Boyne Castle stands belonged to a powerful person named Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray. Over time, the land changed hands. It first went to the Edmonstone family. Later, through marriage, it became the property of the Ogilvy family.
Sir George Ogilvy of Dunlugas built the castle in the late 1500s. People continued to live in the castle until after the year 1723.
When Was Boyne Castle Built?
Some experts, like Charles McKean, think the castle might have been built a little earlier. He suggested that Alexander Ogilvy of Boyne built it before 1575. He might have built it for his bride, Mary Beaton. Mary Beaton was a friend of Mary, Queen of Scots. She grew up in the royal court in France.
A Royal Visit
In July 1589, King James VI of Scotland visited Boyne Castle. His special messengers, including Andrew Keith, Lord Dingwall, George Young, and John Skene, brought him important news. They told him about his marriage plans with Anne of Denmark. They also shared details about ships, jewels, and a silver carriage being prepared for her.
Exploring Boyne Castle's Structure
How Was the Castle Protected?
Boyne Castle was built in a very smart place for defense. It sits above a deep valley called the Burn of Boyne, also known as Boyne Water. This valley protects the castle on three sides. On the fourth side, to the south, there is a wide, dry ditch. This ditch is nearly 60 feet wide and acted like a natural barrier.
What Does the Castle Look Like Today?
People say that Boyne Castle "was once a splendid place." It had beautiful rooms above strong, arched basements. It also had large windows. Today, the castle is mostly in ruins and covered by plants. However, the walls on the west side and the towers still stand tall, reaching about 33 feet high.
The castle has four round towers, one at each corner. Each tower is about 22 feet across. There is also a gatehouse with two small towers on the south side. You enter the castle by crossing a raised, walled path. There are also remains of two walled gardens nearby.
Boyne Castle is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means it's a very important historical site. It is protected by law so it can be preserved for the future.
